I did a tea swap with a member, and was favorably impressed with a Da Hong Pao. I realize that there can be considerable range in price and quality - and that there's no guarantee the tea will be "the real thing."

I've actually never had any DHP before so if I were to try some-what would be a good choice? I'm more interested in something representative for this type of tea than getting something absolutely super authentic/genuine.

I have tasted the DHP from Dragon Tea House, premium grade, and was impressed. I brewed it at around 170F. The taste had two elements: there was full oolong taste, with a thirst-quenching toasted taste - not unlike a genmai-cha. Really nice, but I didn't detect the "rocky" taste that DHP is known for.

And very nice, the problem is that I can't compared it against other vendors' offerings because I haven't tried any others. But I have read on this forum people recommending the DHP from the vendors I linked above.

I tasted two Da Hong Pao teas yesterday at a local vendor and was not impressed. However, I do have notes on DHP from Dragon House, a well-regarded online vendor:

Dragon House Premium100g $16.99This has a basic Da Hong Pao flavor, at a budget price. Brewed at 180˚F, medium amber liquor. Smokiness and herbal details are blurred, lack definition. But a hint of roastiness gives some character to the tea. No trace of "rock tea" character.100g for only $16.99, shipped. 7.5/10

Dragon House Supreme100g $32.99Quite good. Brewed at around 180˚F, medium amber liquor. I detected two distinct flavors: an appealing toastiness, not unlike a genmai-cha, and an integrated "green" flavor; a nice taste combination. No trace of "rock tea" character. Definitely a repeater. Consider brewing this tea at 165˚F, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the results. 8.5/10

Dragon House Nonpareil50g $45.99Balanced and flavorful. Brewed at around 200˚F. The tea is dark amber, but this tea aims for a mix of smokiness with subdued greenness. You can definitely detect the "rock tea" flavor this tea is famous for on the aftertaste. Very easy to like, even if you're not experienced with oolongs. Solid, but doesn't have the best value.9/10

Well, I just received 100g from a different vendor of basically similar quality and for the price it is a remarkable tea. Very happy. It doesn't match what PostCard teas has on offer but I wouldn't spend again $28 USD for 20g after receiving 100g for roughly 10 bucks. The difference is that the Postcard Tea's offering had that strong underlying mineral taste typical of good yancha, whereas in the El Cheapo one was mild, but the rest is there: warm charcoal, wheat, dried plum, floral. These are the main notes I detected in all my infusions (around 12) in varying degrees.

So, I am happy with cheaper offerings as long as their quality is reasonable.